Woodworking Shows

[Greg in Maryland]

Hi

Has anyone attended The Woodworking Shows (http://www.thewoodworkingshows.com/)? What were your impressions? I'm a beginner and I've never attended a show before, so I am not sure what to expect. Also, are there other shows out there that are worthwhile?

Greg

[Jeffrey Schronce]

A lot of folks on other forums said the one here in York this year was aweful. These were very experienced WW'ers and show goers. It may be just fine for a first timer or beginning woodworker. Show quality may vary by state.

Much like other things in life, your first usually isn't too bad no matter the quality! LOL!

[LCHIEN]

Hi

Has anyone attended The Woodworking Shows (http://www.thewoodworkingshows.com/)? What were your impressions? I'm a beginner and I've never attended a show before, so I am not sure what to expect. Also, are there other shows out there that are worthwhile?

Greg

They used to have a lot of exhibitors. Some were woodworking supply stores and some were sales reps for one or more specific manufacturers and or specialty stores.

The big woodworking stores were Peachtree and The Woodworkers Choice - TWC. But, TWC I think has since gone out of business. But since Rockler is now local they have a presence.

To me, the show offers a chance to 1) see products you are not familiar with 2)see demos and presentations 3) buy woodworking products at good prices from a large selection.

When I go I try and make 1) a list of staples I need, like bisucits, pcoket screws etc. 2) a list of jigs and supplies like clamps, air/DC fittings, bits, etc 3) tools I might want to buy if the price is right.
You should have an idea of what the going street prices are - do your research ahead of time on the internet.

Make two passes thru the show, one to see demos and what is available and who has what (try not to buy anything the first pass so you don't drag it around and possibly regret when you see a better deal), and the second to buy. You may want to set a budget.

Some things you just can't get locally, other things, like supplies, tend to be for pretty good prices. Some tools are good prices. Remember its hard to take it back if it doesn't work - they won't be there Monday.

Good luck.

[wardprobst]

They used to have a lot of exhibitors. Some were woodworking supply stores and some were sales reps for one or more specific manufacturers and or specialty stores.

The big woodworking stores were Peachtree and Woodworkers supply. But, woodworkers supply I think has since gone out of business. But since Rockler is now local they have a presence.http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/home.exe
snip

This store is out of business?
http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/home.exe

DP

[paintandbodtman]

This store is out of business?
http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/home.exe

DP

woodworkers supply in Graham NC was still open about 2 weeks ago judging by th vehicles in their parking lot when I drove by on I-40.

[LCHIEN]

This store is out of business?
http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/home.exe

DP

My Bad, I meant Woodworkers Choice (TWC), not Woodworkers Supply.
Corrected my post.

[sacherjj]

I went for the first time last year and found many of the presentations to be worthwhile. Many of the companies had decent deals and you saved shipping. I thought it was worth the nearly two days I spent there last year. I get in free this year, for working part of the time at our woodworking club booth.

[L. D. Jeffries]

I for one, love the ww shows. 1st'ly, a chance for me and a couple of ww buddies to get away for a weekend w/o the ladies, 2nd'ly get to see lots of demo's, 3rd'ly as stated in LCHIEN's post, chance to get a lot of everyday items at a "show" price. Even if you don't buy anything, its a "gas" just to oogle all the neat tools. But there are some good bargins too. Two yrs. ago went to one in Syracuse and picked up a DeWalt 13" planer for under $300 plus got a free DeWalt $90 saber-saw.

[Howard]

I went to my first one in November in Arlington, Texas. A few thoughts... Don't take others who don't share your passion. They get bored quickly and want to leave before you have had the chance to see everything. I was surprised that Grizzly wasn't there. Thought they might be. Some of the demonstrations were pretty good, especially the guy from the Woodworking School who just used hand tools to make a wonderful rocker. The SS demonstration was pretty cool live. Kinda makes you want one. I didn't see any real bargains but I went on Sunday. The minimax is one incredible machine but at $12,000 it should be. Wow! I was able to see some Festool machines demonstrated. I shouldn't have. Now I have a RO 150 and the TS-55. I would definitely go again - by myself next time. Oh, leave the CC at home. Not nearly the temptation that way.

[LinuxRandal]

I started going a few years ago, to pick up some misc things and idea's for some house projects. Towards the end of thewoodworkerschoice, they were looking more and more like HF at our local shows, with a VERY few exceptions. I went there for one (they were supposed to be demo'ing and selling). They repeatedly demo'd a similar item, with much less features (for what I needed) and finally only demo'd it after I asked. I said I'll take one, and they said, it would be shipped to me as they didn't carry it there (the whole reason I went). SInce that time I go to see what is new (if anything), a few demo's, and to pick up things that I would have to wait for (if I am getting ready to order them).

Worth going to at least once, however, I find this and sawmill to be of more help, in reality.

[lkazista]

Just go, they can be a blast, or terrible. Sort of like going to a new bar.

I have been to 3 so far, one was Fantastic, I wanted to join the crew and travel with them (like a kid joining the circus). The second time was horrible, and this last time was just OK.

I will go again though, the first time was just too much fun.

Lee